Dunn Out Again & Nelsen A Doubt

Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn's unbelievable bad luck with injuries has struck again and he will now be out for around a month.

Dunn had only just come back from a long-term Achilles problem but had to come off injured in the 0-0 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday with a hamstring injury, which will keep him out for around a month.

Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "David unfortunately pulled his hamstring and he looks set to miss three or four weeks which is very disappointing.

"He has just got back from an Achilles problem and I think fatigue may have been a problem and we are all very disappointed for him."

Dunny (who seems to have been struck down with his injury curse again) is definitely out of the Manchester City match on Sunday (and won't return until the end of January 2009) and skipper Ryan Nelsen is also a doubt with the meeting against Mark Hughes' team after picking up an eye injury.

He added: "Ryan Nelsen has a very bad eye injury and it is shut at the minute.

"We will give it time to get the swelling down and we will wait and see what it is like tomorrow."

Meanwhile Roque Santa Cruz is understood to be the target of Real Madrid now.

Santa Cruz looks as though he will be leaving Ewood Park in January (if the right offer comes in) and Madrid are understood to have shown and interest in the Paraguayan International, however, his father has dismissed any official interest but has virtually admitted that the striker is looking to go.

Aproniano Santa Cruz told teledeportes.com: "There is nothing official from Real Madrid, but it is logical that Roque is being linked to another club.

"If the chance appears and Blackburn agree to let him go I believe that he would prefer to sign for a team who are fighting for the likes of the Champions League or a domestic title.

"He talked with the new boss (Sam Allardyce) to tell him his desire to help the club. But I have no doubt that if Blackburn maintain their top-flight status there will be negotiations with other clubs.

"However, I do not know when. It could be in January or next June."

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